Is it possible to build a career as a film critic?
The answer is Of Course! Why not?
If you love to watch movies and truly keen about film criticism then you can be a film critic easily. Many of you may not know what actually a film critic does or where they work.
Okay… No worries! I am here to give you all of these information and step by step guideline. So, Let’s check it out.
Table of Contents
What Does a Film Critic Do?
Simply to say, A film critic watch a film attentively and then write a review. They provide their own opinions on the acting, plot development, editing, cinematography and all other aspects of a film. Film critics influence readers by their writing and analytical skill. After reading their film review many people decide to watch that certain film. On the contrary, many people lose interest to watch any film when they get average review and rating from a film critic. So, it can be said a film critic is a great influencer. Besides, film critics may also vote on films during award season.
Where Do Film Critics work?
Film critics can work in different places. Generally they work in media houses such as newspapers, radio stations, television channels or magazines. They can also work for their own publication, blog site or any international film site. They often work online publication or news portal. In addition to, many film critics work as a freelance writer in various international job market places.In some cases, film critics may work more than one workplace.
Requirements to be A Film Critic
There is no hard and fast rules to become a film critic. There are different ways to become a film critic. Following requirements are core among them.
I) Acquire a bachelor degree in Film studies or film related subject is a plus point for a film critic. One can gather theoretical knowledge as well as grammar of audio visual media by studying in film studies. It is convenient for anyone to write film reviews if he/she knows about storytelling ways or how to read a film.
II) Love watching films. Any kind…any type. The more you watch films the more observation & judgment power will develop in you. Moreover, you have to develop reading and writing habit.
III) Learn the language of film and grammar of film. Gather it through books or professional film reviews. If you don’t know which camera angle express what, which shot should be taken wide/extreme close, how color and lighting should be used to make a scene meaningful and all other grammar of storytelling tools then you can’t judge a film. Knowing nothing about basic grammar of a film, writing film review is useless.
Two More Important Steps
- Start writing from early age of your life. It will help to develop your writing skill. While studying University, you can work as a contributor in any daily newspaper, weekly magazine or any online news portal. Publish your film reviews there and obtain primary experience. You can start it from your school life too by writing on your own blog site. This practice must enhance your writing skill. For a film critic writing skill is one of the core requirements.
- The more film criticism are published, the more opportunities you may have to become a professional film critic. When your name will be well spread as a film critic, many media house offer you job opportunities. In the beginning, film critics can post their film reviews in their own websites or different social media platforms. In new media platforms they can also get readers feedback. This experience is also help to build reputation as a pro reviewer.
Final Words
If you are done with all above steps now its time to create a portfolio. In a portfolio you can store all of your writing sample. To get better job or working station a good portfolio really helps. If I have to conclude in final words I must say, you have to be passionate about films to become a film critic. View films, write down about films, discuss about films whatever it is-just do it. When you watch a film, just watch that film attentively, noting else. Let the story transport you in the movie world. Try to understand the mood of the film. Analyze the characters and their acting. Try to catch the implicit meaning of a film that filmmaker tries to convey. Develop your observation power by watching intellectual award wining films thus one day you will become a film critic. Good Luck!
